Jaeger-LeCoultre “Weems” RAF MK VIIA Wristwatch c.1940

Jaeger-LeCoultre “Weems” RAF MK VIIA Wristwatch c.1940

SOLD

Stock Number: W0277 Category:

Jaeger-LeCoultre “Weems” RAF Mk VIIA Wristwatch c.1940.

The “Weems” Mk VIIA wristwatch was issued to pilots and navigators of the RAF during WW2 and features a moveable outer bezel which is set to the second hand to calculate longitude to aid navigation. The watch takes its name from Lt.Cdr P.V. Weems who was a well-known aviator, navigator and instructor at the Naval Officer School at Annapolis, Maryland, in the U.S.A.

The “Weems” 6B/159 with specification Mk. VIIA needed to meet the following requirements of Building Specification G.535 :

The movement needed to be wound by the crown instead of using a separate key. The movement should run for a minimum of 36 hours (fully wound).  The hands should be made of blued steel and the case should have a rotating lunette. The case could be made from steel, chrome or hardened brass. The dial needed to be light silver or white (like enamel). The deviation needed to meet the following requirements: after three hours +/- 3 seconds, after six hours +/- 5 seconds, after twelve hours +/- 8 seconds and after 24 hours +/- 15 seconds.

There were five manufacturers of these very special timepieces; Longines, Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Zenith and Movado. It is believed only around 7,000 were issued to the RAF in 1940 at the outbreak of hostilities and many will have no doubt seen action during the early dark days of the Battle of Britain and beyond.

Jaeger-LeCoultre examples of these watches are highly prized and are seldom offered for sale. As such, the watch for sale represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a superb piece of British WW2 aviation history.

 

The Jaeger-LeCoultre “Weems” for sale is in very good overall condition having been recently serviced by our highly skilled and experienced horologist.
The dial is in beautiful condition with no noticeable marks or blemishes.
As expected, there are some marks and scratches to the outer casing of the watch which is commensurate with age.
The beautiful blue steel hands are correct to the original specification of the watch. Both the winding and locking crowns are later day replica replacements.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre 450 calibre movement is currently running well and keeping very good time.

The watch comes complete with a free six-month warranty, two new NATO straps and a quality handmade leather watch pouch.

Diameter: 32mm (exc crown)